The Most Popular Wedding Line Dances for Groups

The vows have been exchanged and the cake has been cut—now it’s time to get the party started. Your wedding reception is a chance for you and your guests to cut loose and celebrate this joyous occasion. But how can you get your guests up and moving? Enter the line dance, which is when a specific song comes on that has a corresponding dance to go along with it (usually well-known). These dances occur at the reception when the dance floor opens up.

Having the DJ put on a well-known dance track is a genius way to get guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. From classic country hits to modern-day pop sensations, there’s a wedding line dance for every taste. This kind of dance has become hugely popular in recent years, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular wedding line dances, plus tips on how you can pull them off.

Most Popular Wedding Line Dances

Thriller by Micheal Jackson

Line up your guests and get them dancing the Thriller routine. The classic dance is always a winner and a surefire way to get the party started. However, be warned: This routine is not for the faint of heart. Your guests will need to learn it in advance to get it right!

Macarena by Los Del Rio

Love it or hate it, the Macarena is one of the most popular wedding line dances. Complete with a quick tempo and loads of opportunities for your guests to sing along, this track is a true crowd-pleaser. With simple moves and jumping to boot, there’s a lot to love.

The Locomotion by Little Eva

Similar to the Macarena, the Locomotion has easy-to-follow moves that all of your guests can get behind. The song was originally released in 1962 by Little Eva and later covered by Kylie Minogue in 1987. That means that family members of every generation probably know it.

Conga by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan

Need an excuse to get every guest onto the dance floor? The Conga is just the routine. This wedding dance is about following the leader; make a train of people and keep adding to it as you move around the room. “It’s conga time for sure!”

Wobble by V.I.C

The Wobble is a somewhat newer line dance (the song debuted in 2008), but it has quickly become a staple at weddings. With easy-to-follow moves and a solid R&B beat, your guests will fill the dance floor as soon as they hear the opening lyric "Oh!"

Country Wedding Line Dances

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

If you and your partner are country lovers at heart, the Old Town Road line dance is for you. Cast your mind back to the line-dancing moves of your youth, and you’ve got this routine down pat. It includes fun side-stepping action along with some horse riding and cowboy-style moves. Yee-haw!

Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex

Next up, we’ve got a slightly comedic take on the classic country line dance. Featuring loads of skipping, jumping, and a fair share of whooping, you can’t go wrong with Cotton Eye Joe. The routine is so easy to follow that even guests who don’t know it will be able to dance along.

Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus

Another line dance from the king of country, Billy Ray Cyrus. Achy Breaky Heart is a classic routine that should get everyone moving. If you’re hosting a rustic wedding in a barn, getting everyone on the dance floor with this number is a must.

Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain

Do your guests have fast-moving feet? If so, it’s time to put them to the test with the Any Man of Mine line dance. Featuring shuffles, claps, and kicks, this is an advanced routine that your guests may need to learn ahead of time.

Rock Wedding Line Dances

Twist and Shout by The Beatles

Want to pay homage to the rockers of yesteryear? The famous Twist and Shout line dance is filled with rock ‘n’ roll dance moves and is the perfect way to liven up any party. Shake those hips and move your feet to the original sound of The Beatles.

Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Ready to do the Time Warp again? “It’s just a jump to the left… and then a step to the right!” This routine is strikingly easy, especially as the lyrics tell your guests exactly what they need to do next. Unleash your inner ghoul and hit the dance floor pronto.

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

Sweet Caroline is a classic Neil Diamond track that your guests are sure to love. But did you know there’s also a popular wedding line dance to this track? Have your guests learn these moves in advance so that they are ready to show them off at the big event.

Pop Wedding Line Dances

Cha-Cha Slide by Mr. C The Slide Man

Two decades ago, Mr. C The Slide Man changed dance floors forever with the release of the Cha-Cha Slide. The routine has become one of the most popular wedding line dances of all time. The simple moves and upbeat tempo are a winning combination.

YMCA by The Village People

Wedding line dances don’t get much easier than YMCA by The Village People. The straightforward moves and cheerful tune mean that anyone will fall head-over-heels for this one. Your guests probably don’t need to prepare—chances are, they already know the moves.

Gangnam Style by Psy

Back in 2012, Psy became an international superstar with his hit Gangnam Style. Not only does the track have an ultra-catchy chorus, but it’s also one of the best wedding line dances. Play this dance-pop song toward the start of your reception to liven things up.

Tips for Pulling Off the Perfect Wedding Line Dance

Planning on choosing one of these wedding line dances for your reception? Before you make your decision, we’ve got some expert tips to help you along the way.

Choose a famous dance song.

When it comes to wedding line dances, the golden rule is simple: Pick a song that everyone will know. Choosing obscure or lesser-known tracks won’t get people onto the dance floor. Play it safe and opt for a song that is well-loved by all your guests.

Tell your guests before the wedding.

If you’re choosing one of the more complicated wedding line dances, let your guests know ahead of time. That way, each of them will have the chance to perfect the routine before they attend your wedding. You might even want to send them a YouTube video to follow.

Get up and lead the routine!

The moment the DJ hits ‘play’, make sure you and your partner are the first ones up on the dance floor. Since it’s your wedding, it’s your job to lead the way. Bring loads of energy and enthusiasm to your dance, and your guests will follow suit.

Make sure someone has a camera.

Let’s face it, there’s no point in pulling off the perfect wedding line dance and having zero evidence. Before you start shaking those hips, ensure that your videographer has the camera ready. You'll want to reminisce on this magical moment for years to come!